What does the legal term "acquit" mean?

The term "acquit" refers to the legal process where a defendant is cleared of criminal charges, resulting in a verdict of not guilty. This means that after examining the evidence presented in a trial, the court finds that the prosecution has not met its burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, an acquittal signifies that the defendant is not held responsible for the alleged crimes, effectively removing any legal penalties related to those charges. This aligns with the fundamental principle of criminal law that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Acquittal is a vital aspect of the justice system, ensuring that individuals who are not proven guilty cannot face the repercussions of a conviction.